Plyometric Push-Up Apparatus and Related Methods

ABSTRACT

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel exercise device that is one-piece and portable. The device will be an exercise box with several height settings so a user can vary the types and intensity of their workout. The device can be used for plyometric exercises, specifically push-ups, but it also can be used to perform a variety of different exercises.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application61/925,790 filed on Jan. 10, 2014. The previous application is herebyincorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates to the field of exercise equipment andmethod for plyometric and other using the equipment.

2. Background of the Invention

Plyometrics denotes dynamic resistance exercise that focuses on muscleextension to a rapid contraction. Plyometrics were originally developedfor training Olympic athletes, but now it is a popular workout routine.Plyometric training a popular form of training for boxers, footballplayers, and cross-fit athletes. The benefits of plyometrics areincreased muscle strength, joint protection, and reduced risk of injury.A plyometric push-up is similar to a traditional push-up, but thepush-up drives the body up explosively, so that the hands come off thefloor. One common variation of the plyometric push-up is a push-up whereone claps between each rep. Another variation to the plyometric push-upis one where one sets up two boxes side by side. The person performingthe exercise will position his/herself between the two boxes. The userwill then perform a push-up off the floor and press his/her hands sothat he/she comes off the floor explosively and lands on the two boxes.He/she will then repeat a push-up exercise on the boxes so that his/herhands come off the boxes and he finishes the push-up on the floor.

Currently there are several boxes available commercially that willassist a person in performing a plyometric push-up. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 5,158,512 (1992) by Hand teaches an adjustable steppingstructure which consists of a platform. The height of the platform canbe adjusted by detachable stacking support elements. While this steppingstructure is useful in commercial gyms, it is difficult to store in ahome because it contains multiple large parts. Another problem with thestepping structure is that the surface is made of a hard plasticmaterial that makes doing plyometric push-ups on the stepping structurehave a painful impact on the wrists. Accordingly, a need exists for anadjustable height plyometric box that is one piece for easy storage andhas a surface consisting of a low impact material that also can be usedfor a variety of different purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,319 (2010) to Carlesimo teaches a set of stackableblocks in order for the user to perform a variety of push-up exercises.These blocks are useful for performing push-up exercises, but they arelimited mostly to push-up exercises and cannot be used for most of theexercises associated with an exercise step.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,525 to Rozenblad (1982) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,951,055to Mulderrig (2011) both teach a device for assistance with push-ups.However, both of these devices have handles, which are not practical forplyometric push-ups.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,216,114 to Wynn (2012) teaches an adjustable exerciseplatform that is one main component for easier storage. The deviceconsists of two vertical stands with notches. A platform will fit intothe notches and can be adjusted by moving the platform up or down thestands. The vertical stands will restrict the number of exercises thatcan be performed on the platform.

There are also several plyometric boxes commercially available. FisherAthletics, UCS-Plyo-Safe G2, and MD USA all make stackable boxes withsofter, low impact surfaces designed to be used for plyometricexercises. These boxes are large, consist of multiple parts, and theheight of the box cannot be adjusted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an exercise box with an adjustable height for plyometricpush-ups.

It is a further objective that the present invention has a low impactsurface for plyometric push-ups to reduce stress on the wrist whenperforming a plyometric push-up.

It is a further object of the present invention to be one piece for easystorage and home use.

It is a further object of the present invention to be versatile enoughto be used for other exercises associated with an aerobic steppingdevice. These objectives are not to be construed as limitations of theapplicant's invention, but merely suggest the benefits that may berealized by the invention and its many embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristicscan be obtained is explained in the following description and attachedfigures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment which shows theinvention at its lowest height.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferable embodiment of the inventiondepicting the height raised a few inches above the lowest possibleheight.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferable embodiment of the inventiondepicting the steps raised to give the invention additional height.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferable embodiment of the inventiondepicting the maximum height of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a preferable embodiment of the invention.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate onlytypical embodiments of the disclosed assemblies, and therefore, are notto be considered limiting of their scope, for the disclosed assembliesmay admit to other equally effective embodiments that will beappreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also,figures are not necessarily made to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is for an exercise device. It may be used forpush-ups as well as other forms of exercise associated with exercisesteps. These include, but are not limited to plyometric, isometric, andaerobic exercises. Unlike most exercise steps, which have multiplecomponents, the present invention is one piece which allows for easierhome use, portability and storage. FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of apreferable embodiment of the plyometric box in a folded collapsedposition. The box features a top 2, height adjustment panels 16, asupport board 10, and at least one column 8. The top 2 is typicallyrectangular. The top 2 suitably defines a rectangular surface 18preferably made of cushioned, rigid material, such as polyvinyl chloride(PVC) or other plastics. The edges of the top 2 are attached to the afirst set of height adjustment panels 16 by means of an attachment meanssuch as screws, bolts, nails, staples, or glue or the top 2 and thepanels 16 may also be one piece and of uniform construction.

The height adjustment panels 16 may be square or rectangular. The sideof the panel 16 that is attached to the top 2 will be narrower than thewidth of the top 2. The first set height adjustment panels 16 can beused to vary the height of the top 2.

Directly underneath the top is a support board 10. The support board 10is typically rectangular. In the preferred embodiment, it will be thesame shape and have the same dimensions as the top 2. The support board10 interacts with the height adjustment panels 16 to provide support tothe box when the height adjustment panels 16 have been used to raise theheight of the top 2. The support board 10 may be made of metal or alightweight durable polymer.

At the base of the box are two columns 8. FIG. 1 shows the columns 8 ina folded collapsed position. The columns 8 may be rectangular. Thecolumns 8 unfold to a standing position using a hinge 4 on both sides ofeach column 8 that is attached to the support board 10. When folded, thecolumns 8 provide support and stability to the box. The top 2, panels16, and columns 8 may be made of a lightweight durable polymer for easyportability but still having the strength to support an athlete. FIG. 1depicts the box in a position that is ideal for easy portability andstorability. Because the box is one unit with an adjustable height, itis easier to store than a traditional device that is made up of separateparts. The box can also be used in this position for various exercisesincluding plyometric push-ups. FIG. 1 depicts the minimum height of thebox when it is being used for exercise. The minimum height of the box isideal for performing exercises, such as plyometric push-ups, at a lowintensity. Other settings can accommodate more vigorous exercise.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a preferable embodiment of the boxwhere the top 2 has been raised several inches above the minimum heightusing the first set of height adjustment panels 16. FIG. 2 illustratesthe features of the first set of height adjustment panels 16. The heightadjustment panels 16 have holes 14 on the sides of them. Each hole 14 inthe panel 16 corresponds to a different height. There are four removablepins 6 in each corner of the support board 10. The increase in height issupported by inserting the removable pin 6 on the support board 10 intoone of several holes in the height adjustment panel 16. The removablepins 6 may be made of the same durable polymer as the rest of the box orit could be made of metal or another sturdy, durable material. Adjustingthe box to this height will allow the user to increase the intensity oftheir workout. A user can increase the intensity even further byunfolding the columns 8.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a preferable embodiment of the boxwhere the columns 8 are in an unfolded position. The columns 8 unfold togive the box increased height. When the columns 8 unfold, the columns 8stand upright at the edges of the support board 10. The box willresemble a table with the columns 8 acting as the legs and the supportboard 10 acting as a table top. There is a second, longer set of heightadjustment panels 20 on the side of the columns 8. There is a hinge 4 onboth sides of the each column 8 that is connected to the support board10. The hinge 4 fits into a round lock 12. The hinge 4 and lock 12 keepcolumns 8 and the box stable when the user is performing exercises onthe box. The hinge 4 and the lock 12 may be made of the same durablepolymer as the rest of the box or it may be made of metal or anothersturdy durable material. The standing the columns 8 upright give the boxincreased height over the height adjustment panels 16 as seen in FIG. 2.Unfolding the columns 8 will give the box additional height so the usercan increase the intensity of their workout. A user can maximizeintensity by raising the height of the box even further.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of the box at the maximum height. Theheight of the top 2 of the box is raised by using both the columns 8 asdescribed in FIG. 3 and a second set of height adjustment panels 20. Thesecond set of height adjustment panels 20 may fit between grooves in thecolumns. The second set of height adjustment 20 panels can slidevertically along the length of the columns 8 and can attach to the top 2using a latch 24. In order to utilize the second set of heightadjustment panels 20, the first set of panels 16 must be shiftedhorizontally along the support board 10. A locking mechanism 22A willsecure the first set of panels 16 in place. The locking mechanism 22Amay be a removable pin, a spring-loaded catch similar to a ball-pointpen, or any other mechanism that will keep the first set of panels 16secure. The second set of height adjustment panels 20 may be made of thesame durable polymer as the rest of the box. A user can increase theheight to a maximum height to allow for the maximum intensity forexercises such as plyometric push-ups.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the invention ina folded position. There is a pair of latches 24 on each set of heightadjustment panels 16, 20. The latches 24 connect the top 2 to the firstset of height adjustment panels 16. There are additional lockingmechanisms 22B on the side of each column 8. The locking mechanisms 22Bkeep the second set of height adjustment panels 20 in place when theinvention is in a folded position. The latches 24 may be made of thesame durable polymer as the rest of the box or it may be made of metalor another sturdy material. The locking mechanisms 22B may be removablepins, spring-loaded catches similar to a ball-point pen, or anothermechanism that will keep the second set of height adjustment panels 20secure.

Other features will be understood with reference to the drawings. Whilevarious embodiments of the method and apparatus have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagramsmight depict an example of an architectural or other configuration forthe disclosed method and apparatus, which is done to aid inunderstanding the features and functionality that might be included inthe method and apparatus. The disclosed method and apparatus is notrestricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations,but the desired features might be implemented using a variety ofalternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will beapparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical,or physical partitioning and configurations might be implemented toimplement the desired features of the disclosed method and apparatus.Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein might be applied to the various partitions.Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions andmethod claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shallnot mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform therecited functionality in the same order unless the context dictatesotherwise.

Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects, and functionality described in one ormore of the individual embodiments are not limited in theirapplicability to the particular embodiment with which they aredescribed, but instead might be applied, alone or in variouscombinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosedmethod and apparatus, whether or not such embodiments are described andwhether or not such features are presented as being a part of adescribed embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the claimedinvention should not be limited by any of the above-describedembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or thelike, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that mightbe available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use ofthe term “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, might be combined ina single package or separately maintained and might further bedistributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts, and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

The claims, as originally filed, are hereby incorporated into thespecification by reference.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A collapsible exercise device with anadjustable height comprising: a flat planar top; at least one paneladjacent to the top that adjusts the height of the top; a supportstructure disposed underneath the top; at least one collapsible columnsupporting the top; and, whereby a user can perform a variety ofexercises on the device.
 2. A device according to claim 1 where thenumber of panels is two.
 3. A device according to claim 1 where thenumber of panels is four.
 4. A device according to claim 1 where thenumber of columns is two.
 5. A device according to claim 1 where thenumber columns is four.
 6. A device according to claim 1 where the topis covered with a cushioned rigid material consisting of any of thegroup of materials which are: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), foam, rubber,and Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
 7. A device according to claim 1where the support structure is a flat planar board with the samedimensions as the top.
 8. A device according to claim 1 where the panelshave holes on the sides corresponding to different heights and theheight may be adjusted by inserting a pin into either the supportstructure or the columns.
 9. A device according to claim 8 where thenumber of panels is two; and the number of columns is two.
 10. A deviceaccording to claim 8 where the number of panels is four and the numberof columns is two.
 11. A device according to claim 8 where the top iscovered with a cushioned rigid material consisting of any of the groupof materials which are: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), foam, rubber, andThermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
 12. A method of performing anaerobic,aerobic, plyometric, and isometric exercises with the device comprising:a. Placing two boxes approximately parallel to each other shoulder widthapart; b. Placing one's body in a push-up position between the twoboxes; c. Performing a push-up exercise between the two boxes whereinthe user's hands come off the floor; d. Finishing the push-up exerciseon top of the boxes; e. Performing a push-up exercise on top the boxeswherein the user's hands come off the boxes; f. Finishing the push-upexercise on the floor; and g. Repeating the exercise as many repetitionsas necessary.